Department of Numbers

Iowa Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Iowa rose 0.2 percentage points in October 2023 to 3.2%. The state unemployment rate was 0.7 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Iowa peaked in April 2020 at 10.9% and is now 7.7 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 2.3% in April 2022, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.9 percentage points. You can also see Iowa unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate October 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
National 3.9% +0.1 +0.2
Iowa 3.2% +0.2 +0.1

Unemployment Rate: Iowa, National

Iowa monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to October 2023

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Iowa Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Iowa peaked in April 2020 at 183,898. There are now 127,918 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 40,087 in April 2022, the number of unemployed has now grown by 15,893. Iowa job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons October 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
Iowa 55,980 +3,163 +2,581

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in Iowa from 1990 to October 2023

Iowa Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
Iowa
Unemployment Rate
Iowa
Unemployed
October 2023 3.9% 3.2% 55,980
September 2023 3.8% 3.0% 52,817
August 2023 3.8% 2.9% 50,242
July 2023 3.5% 2.7% 47,661
June 2023 3.6% 2.7% 46,269
May 2023 3.7% 2.7% 46,282
April 2023 3.4% 2.7% 46,778
March 2023 3.5% 2.8% 48,308
February 2023 3.6% 2.9% 50,083
January 2023 3.4% 3.0% 51,176
December 2022 3.5% 3.0% 52,349
November 2022 3.6% 3.1% 52,851